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Second Federal: A Legacy of Trust


Second Federal
at a Glance

Original Name:
Columbia Savings & Loan

Founders:
Five local leaders

Year Founded:
1882

Year of Merger with Self-Help Federal Credit Union:
2013

Original Founding Location:
Little Village - Chicago

Second Federal, located in Chicago’s Little Village, began providing banking services to immigrants in 1882. When the local population shifted from European to Latino, many banks left. But Second Federal stayed and helped its new customers thrive—until the housing crisis threatened massive foreclosures. This is the story of the resilience of this community and the remarkable trust that is Second Federal's legacy.

 

Related Content

Old photo of Second Federal Savings building

We’re proud that Second Federal is now part of the Self-Help family. The bank merged with Self-Help Federal Credit Union in 2013, when the foreclosure crisis threatened to close down Second Federal and leave hundreds of its customers without a home.

Read more about the making of the video here.